The Serpente floor lamp, designed by Elio Martinelli and produced by Martinelli Luce in 1971, is a quintessential example of Italian space age design from the early 1970s. Its construction features a continuous, bent metal stem finished in a warm off-white, semi-matte paint, anchored by a wide and stable circular base. The defining attribute is the large, hemispherical diffuser in glossy, blown white acrylic, which produces a tactile, mirror-like surface. A solid black ring articulates the curve of the lamp, accentuating the 360-degree rotation mechanism of the shade. Industrially precise connections and detailing give the lamp a measured clarity, free from any ornamentation or pattern. Condition: good, with soft signs of wear such as minor scratches and paint chips mostly on the base and stem, characteristic of authentic vintage pieces.
Serpente tells the story of the experimental 1970s, when Italian design moved boldly between science fiction and domestic reality. Its sculptural form references both futuristic and organic motifs—the arched stem coils like the track of a planet or the path of light in the night sky. The acrylic shade’s gleaming surface reflects the surroundings, inviting an interplay of shadow and glow across the room and turning ambient illumination into a nuanced visual experience.
This lamp can be introduced into spaces with a modern or eclectic sensibility—performing well in mid-century modern interiors or as a statement piece against minimalist, raw surfaces. Its flowing silhouette harmonizes with low sofas, patterned 1970s rugs, or simple, geometric furnishings. For added visual impact, it may be combined with glass or chrome details, highlighting the graphic quality of the design and lending the living area a distinctive collectors’ character.
DIMENSION
Height122 cm
Depth50 cm
Width53 cm
Dimension details
Width53 cm
Height122 cm
Depth50 cm
DELIVERY
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